Set in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Yering Meadows Golf Club was born in 2008 when Croydon Golf Club moved to a new 330-acre property. Ross Watson was handed a blank canvas and carved out a championship-calibre course with wetlands, big greens, and mountain backdrops. It quickly cracked the Top 100 lists — and while it’s mellowed since, Yering still has the bones of a serious layout.
What does the course layout look like?
Yering is a 27-hole setup with three interchangeable nines — Nursery, Valley, and Homestead. That means variety, but also some quirks (more on that later). The design mixes wide Legend Couch fairways, bent-grass greens, and plenty of water in play. It’s been softened in recent years — Mike Clayton stripped out dozens of bunkers to make it less punishing — but it’s still a thinker’s course. Miss your lines and you’ll pay.
Standout holes? The drivable Nursery 4th, the watery risk-reward Nursery 8th, and the picturesque Valley par-3 12th are all highlights. If you’re mid-capper or better, you’ll find the mix of scoring chances and ball-eating hazards a great test.
How’s the playing experience at Yering Meadows Golf Club?
On the fairways, it’s excellent: big strategic greens, good conditioning in summer, and smart hole variety. The open valley setting gives you those panoramic winery views that make the Yarra a fun golf trip.
But then reality kicks in:
- Tee-time congestion: With 27 holes, the way bookings are split can create bottlenecks where groups collide. Expect some waiting around.
- Carts: Let’s just say they’ve seen better days. They’ll get you around, but don’t expect plush seats or silent motors.
- Clubhouse vibe: The building itself is modern and perched with killer views… but the culture can feel a bit stiff. Don’t be surprised if a Karen-type member tells you to take your hat off before you’ve even ordered a beer.
So yes, the course layout shines, but the supporting cast drags it down a peg.
What practice facilities are available?
This is where Yering Meadows Golf Club punches above its weight. A 320-metre driving range with grass tees, two chipping zones (80m and 20m), and putting greens cut to the same speed as the course. Everything’s open to the public seven days a week. Whether you’re sharpening your wedge play or just smashing a bucket of balls, it’s one of the best practice setups in Victoria outside the Sandbelt.
How much does it cost to play at Yering Meadows Golf Club?
Public access is available every day. Current rates:
- Weekdays: Around $60 for 18 holes
- Weekends/Public holidays: About $70
- 9 holes: ~$40–45
- Juniors: ~$25 for 18 holes
Midweek deals are where the value is. Two players for ~$89 or four players for ~$149 walking — even cheaper per head if you split a cart. Keep an eye out for twilight specials and seasonal discounts too.
How does Yering Meadows compare with other public courses?
Against other Yarra Valley options:
- Eastern GC (private) and Heritage (semi-private) are more polished but far pricier and harder to access.
- Gardiner’s Run is Yering’s closest rival — locals often call them the “best bang-for-buck pair” in the valley. Gardiner’s has fewer quirks, while Yering brings more drama with water and vistas.
Against Melbourne’s big public tracks (like Eynesbury or Settlers Run), Yering stacks up on design and scenery but lags on polish and clubhouse vibe.
Can you play Yering Meadows with Future Golf?
Yep — it’s on the Future Golf partner list. Members get a free round each year plus discounted extras. Not bad value when you factor in the green fees.
👉 Want to try it? Get up to 50% off Future Golf membership by using this link.
Who is Yering Meadows best suited for?
- Mid-handicappers and shot-makers who want strategy and variety.
- Practice junkies — the range and short game areas are worth the drive alone.
- Golf day groups chasing midweek deals.
- Locals after a public option in the Yarra that still feels like “proper” golf.
- Maybe not for the blokes who ToP It
If you’re the type who values polished service and seamless clubhouse hospitality, Yering might frustrate you. But if you’re here for the course itself — the strategy, the scenery, and the chance to rip a driver over water — it’s a great day out.
Is Yering Meadows worth playing?
Yes — but with caveats. The layout and practice facilities are excellent, easily some of the best public golf in the valley. But the average carts, occasional congestion, and stiff clubhouse vibe take some shine off the experience.
Still, for around $60 midweek, it’s hard to complain. Book smart, bring patience for the pace, and focus on the golf — because when you stripe one down the Valley nine with vineyards on the horizon, all the little annoyances fade pretty quick.
Until next time — grip it, sip it, and keep Karen happy by taking your hat off inside.
